Ratoath 0-6 Clann Na nGael 0-5

Ratoath opened their Division 4 campaign with a narrow win over Clann na nGael in a low scoring game under lights on Tuesday night.

Despite the heavy rain during the day, the Ratoath pitch was in very good condition. However, the wet surface and the wind blowing down the pitch made this a difficult night for both teams.

Both defences were in good form and scoring chances were few and far between. The nGaels backs harried and chased like their lives depended on it and Ratoath just didn't get any time on the ball during the half.

Clann na nGael got off the mark first with a well taken free on the 7th minute. Ratoath levelled things with a Leigh Sullivan free immediately afterwards. Cian Swaine converted a 45 on the 17th minute to edge Clann ahead again before Leigh Sullivan levelled things again.

Much of the play was in the Ratoath half and while they were under pressure, Jack O'Brien, Matthew Cullen, Leigh Sullivan, Luke Farrell and Peter Barry kept their heads and retained possession well!

Clann na nGael then enjoyed a dominant spell and only for a Brian Kiernan clearance off the line would have enjoyed a bigger lead at half time. Despite that they went in at half time leading by 5 points to 2 thanks in the main to the accuracy of Swaine who converted a second 45 and another free.

Half Time: Ratoath 0-2 Clan Na nGael 0-5

Ratoath got off to a great start in the second half with a well worked move ending with a fine point by Pierce Butler. Ratoath now had the benefit of the wind and this was certainly an advantage.

Ratoath's back line upped their tempo and the full back line of Brendan Foster, Michail Treize and Brian Kiernan in particular kept things very tight.

Tom Fadden came off the bench and made an immediate impact with a fine point on the 40th minute and from the resulting kick out and a fine win in mid field by Luke Farrell, John Walsh scored to level things up. Ratoath were certainly dominating at this stage with Farrell and the increasingly influential Peter Barry coming more and more into the game.

The game hung in the balance for the next 20 minutes and Ratoath were thankful that Clann na nGael spurned 3 frees in the space of 10 minutes.

A fine Ratoath move down the left side of the pitch and some good work between Leigh Sullivan and Peter Barry ended with Ryan O'Sullivan palming the ball over the bar to put Ratoath ahead for the first time on the 56th minute.

Despite Clann Na nGael's efforts, they couldn't peg Ratoath back. Swaine dropped a free just short when shooting into the wind and from the breaking ball Clann hit the post and the ball crossed the goal mouth, agonisingly for Clann staying out. Barry cleaned up and cleared and the refs final whistle brought the game to an end!

Full Time: Ratoath 0-6   Clann Na nGael 0-5

Best for Ratoath were Luke Farrell, Peter Barry, Brian Kiernan and Brendan Foster

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